Litigious
Adjective
Definition: Tending or too ready to take legal action to settle disputes.
Synonyms: Contentious, Disputatious, Argumentative
Antonyms: Agreeable, Cooperative, Conciliatory
- He is known for being litigious and always suing people over small matters.
- The company faced multiple litigious challenges as a result of their controversial business practices.
- "Litigious" contains the -tious ending, which is often associated with negative characteristics or tendencies.
- Think of a litigious person as someone who easily gets involved in legal disputes.
Etymology:
Late Middle English (in the sense 'concerning legal proceedings'): from Old French litigieux or late Latin litigiosus, from Latin lites, litig- 'dispute, lawsuit'.
Historical Usage:The word "litigious" has been used since the late Middle English period to describe someone or something related to legal proceedings or disputes.
Related Idioms:
"A litigious society"
Explanation:Refers to a society or community where legal actions and disputes are common, frequently resulting in lawsuits.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "litigious" with "litigant."
Explanation:While "litigious" describes a tendency or disposition towards legal action, "litigant" specifically refers to a person involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding. They are related terms but have distinct meanings.